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Pulkesin Mohan, General Manager at Taj Campton Place said, “The transformation of Taj Campton Place crafts an elevated guest experience. Every detail of the redesign has been thoughtfully curated to honor the hotel’s storied heritage while meeting the expectations of today’s travellers. Guided by the spirit of Tajness, our commitment to authentic service and timeless hospitality, we look forward to welcoming guests to this renewed sanctuary in the heart of San Francisco.”

The newly renovated lobby and meeting rooms promises to redefine the guest experience with elegance and sophistication. The redesigned lobby space features a reimagined reception area, a contemporary layout with communal tables, decorative metal panels, a new breakfast room, and elegant decorative mirrors to enhance the sense of light and space. The design seamlessly integrates luxurious fabrics, earthy tones, and intricate motifs, reflecting the hotel’s heritage while embracing modern aesthetics. Additionally, the meeting rooms have been upgraded with refined interiors, making them ideal for both business and social gatherings.

As part of the extensive renovation, Taj Campton Place also unveils a refreshed design for its charming dining and drinking den Campton Bar + Bistro. A favorite among guests and locals, Campton Bar + Bistro now features a refined design inspired by the blues of the Pacific Ocean, complemented by timeless silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and cozy leather seating. The menu showcases an eclectic mix of American bistro options, as well as Indian classics, alongside a cocktail menu featuring classic cocktails and specialty cocktails such as the Bombay Spritz and the Chai Paloma. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Campton Bar + Bistro offers something for every kind of palate.

Taj Campton Place recently welcomed the opening of Bombay Brasserie in August 2024, a dining destination helmed by South Indian native Chef Thomas George. At Bombay Brasserie, guests can enjoy a journey through India’s culinary landscape, from the aromatic spices of the North to the coastal flavors of the South, meticulously crafted with a French twist.

Graced with a legacy dating back to 1909, Taj Campton Place places you in the heart of the city’s financial hub, where haute couture boutiques, art sanctuaries, and epicurean delights intermingle seamlessly with vibrant nightlife and cultural treasures. The hotel stands as an iconic beacon of refined elegance in the city’s bustling pulse.

For hotel reservations please visit www.tajcamptonplace.com or call (415) 781-5555. Valet and guest parking is available for a fee. Taj Campton Place is located at 340 Stockton St, San Francisco.

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1. Charleston, SC — Southern Charm and Timeless Elegance Step into a living postcard when you visit Charleston, South Carolina. This historic coastal city is known for its cobblestone streets, pastel-colored antebellum houses, and iconic horse-drawn carriages. Stroll through the Historic District, savor world-renowned Lowcountry cuisine, or relax on the sandy shores of Folly Beach. Charleston’s warmth and grace leave a lasting impression on every traveler.

2. Denver, CO — Gateway to the Rockies Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Denver offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. The city’s art scene thrives with vibrant murals, world-class museums, and live music. For adventure seekers, Denver is the starting point for hiking, skiing, and outdoor recreation in the Rockies. Don’t miss the famous Red Rocks Amphitheatre—a venue like no other.

3. Little Rock, AR — History and Heartland Hospitality Little Rock, Arkansas, is a city rich in history and culture. Visit the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, walk across the scenic Big Dam Bridge, or explore the River Market District’s lively restaurants and shops. The city’s Southern charm and friendly atmosphere create a welcoming environment for visitors from near and far.

4. Nashville, TN — The Heartbeat of Music City Music lovers flock to Nashville, Tennessee, to experience its legendary live music scene. From honky-tonk bars on Broadway to the historic Ryman Auditorium, the city’s rhythm is undeniable. Beyond music, Nashville boasts a burgeoning food scene, trendy neighborhoods like The Gulch, and scenic beauty along the Cumberland River.

5. Oxnard, CA — Coastal Bliss on California’s Gold Coast Just north of Los Angeles, Oxnard offers pristine beaches, coastal charm, and an escape from the hustle and bustle. Known for its agricultural roots and more, Oxnard is a hidden gem for those seeking a seaside retreat. Explore Channel Islands National Park or enjoy whale watching tours for unforgettable memories.

6. Park City, UT — A Year-Round Mountain Paradise Famed for its ski slopes and home to the Sundance Film Festival, Park City, Utah, is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and film buffs alike. In winter, ski the powdery slopes; in summer, hike, bike, or zip-line through alpine forests. The charming Main Street, lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and fine dining, offers a perfect end to an adventurous day.

7. Perryville, MO — Small-Town Charm with Big Stories Located in the heart of Missouri, Perryville is a quaint town with a rich sense of history. Visit the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal or explore the beautiful park system with lakes and trails perfect for outdoor fun. This hidden gem provides a peaceful retreat with a slice of Americana hospitality.

8. South Lake Tahoe, CA — Adventure and Tranquility at the Lake Nestled along the border of California and Nevada, South Lake Tahoe is a nature lover’s dream. In the summer, enjoy boating, kayaking, and hiking, while winter transforms it into a premier ski and snowboarding destination. Crystal-clear waters, majestic mountains, and lively entertainment make South Lake Tahoe a favorite year-round escape.

9. South Walton, FL — Florida’s Emerald Coast Retreat South Walton’s sugar-white beaches and turquoise waters are nothing short of paradise. Located along Florida’s scenic Highway 30A, the area’s 16 beach communities, including Seaside and Rosemary Beach, offer laid-back luxury. Enjoy gourmet dining, boutique shopping, and water activities like paddleboarding and kayaking.

10. Tucson, AZ — Desert Beauty and Southwest Flavor Tucson’s vibrant culture is a celebration of the American Southwest. Surrounded by stunning desert landscapes, this Arizona gem is home to Saguaro National Park, eclectic art districts, and authentic Mexican cuisine. Hike through rugged desert trails or savor a sunset like no other—Tucson’s natural beauty captivates all who visit.

Plan Your Next Getaway Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences. Each city has its own distinct flavor, from Charleston’s classic charm to Park City’s alpine splendor. For more travel inspiration and in-depth guides, follow The Hotel Guide’s expert recommendations and plan your next dream getaway.

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History & Architecture: A Legacy of Conservation and Craftsmanship

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Thompson Palm Springs features 168 bungalow-inspired guestrooms, including 18 suites, offering their own private balconies and breathtaking views. Introducing a guest experience that is a level above, Thompson Palm Springs is set to debut an exclusive adults-only tower, Upper Stories, later this year. Situated in a private enclave at the hotel’s edge, Upper Stories will house a separate collection of 42 guestrooms with five suites, bolstered by the added advantage of a private pool and lounge reserved for Upper Stories’ guests.

A true epicurean destination, Thompson Palm Springs is home to Lola Rose Grand Mezze, a Levantine-inspired dining destination from the mind of Executive Chef Quentin Garcia, which feeds out to a skyline pool and swim club overlooking the San Jacinto Mountains. The hotel also features a custom art collection sourced by Shore Art Advisory, more than 30,000 square feet of ground-level retail space, a fitness studio with TRX and Peloton equipment and more than 20,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor event space. A HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room is slated to open on the hotel’s ground-floor before the end of the year, with a second restaurant, Bar Issi, from Los Angeles-based Boujis Group, set to follow in early 2025.

“Thompson Palm Springs infuses new energy into the rich cultural heritage of Palm Springs, offering a place where everyone who walks through the door feels welcome and at home,” says Jeffrey Miller, general manager, Thompson Palm Springs. “The hotel is intertwined with the support and engagement of the local community, and we are pleased to debut the thoughtfully curated space designed to reflect the vibrant spirit of the great city of Palm Springs.”

CHECKING IN

A collaboration between SMS Architecture and B2 Design Co., Thompson Palm Springs took inspiration from the city’s rich history as a destination for bespoke modern architecture and the intuitive aesthetic of the Thompson brand, to create an atmosphere of city sophistication in a serene environment. Perfectly melding into the downtown skyline, exteriors were crafted by SMS Architecture to emulate a gateway into Palm Springs’ Design District through playful geometry blended with a mid-century style framework. B2 Design Co. infused the interiors with a thoughtful mix of desert influences—channeling subtle nods to the surrounding landscape with the use of soft stone, light woods and neutral furnishings, all beautifully accented with brass fixtures and the vibrant colors featured in the hotel’s curated and commissioned artworks.

Featuring a unique, open-air design, the lobby welcomes guests with lushly-lined pathways and bespoke works of art as they make their way to their rooms. Inside, the atmosphere boasts warm natural hues complemented by soft pops of greens and wood-like textures to emulate the outdoor landscape. Guestrooms range in size from king and double queen, up to the sprawling 1,750 square foot Thompson Suite. All guestrooms feature private balconies with stunning views of the surrounding skyline and ethereal San Jacinto Mountain range, flat-screen TVs, luxurious SFERRA linens, signature D.S. & DURGA bath amenities, plush robes and slippers, black-out curtains, carefully curated minibars with local delights and a selection of in-room coffees and teas.

A NEW CULINARY DESTINATION FROM SUNLIGHT TO MOONLIGHT

Thompson Palm Springs is anchored in unique, exploratory culinary experiences that indulge the senses. Lola Rose Grand Mezze is a lively new Levantine-inspired dining destination perched atop the second floor of the hotel that channels the sophisticated allure of the Mediterranean with a creative interpretation of mezze-style dining. The all-day concept brings a “sunlight-to-moonlight” experience and welcomes guests and locals for brunch, lunch, dinner, dessert and poolside dining, with a dynamic menu of small plates, shareables and large format dishes.

Leading the kitchen is Executive Chef Quentin Garcia, who brings two decades of industry experience and influences from his personal travels through Istanbul to the menu. The dining experience celebrates cultures spanning from Greece to Egypt, and features an array of spreads, greens, grains, charred meats and fresh Pacific fish, all inspired by the leisurely dining traditions of the Mediterranean. Focal points of the menu include a selection of freshly baked breads from the restaurant’s in-house tandoor oven and various spices sourced directly from Istanbul.

Bringing a fresh approach to mixology, Lola Rose’s Director of Food and Beverage, Chris Talluto, crafted a robust menu of innovative drinks to complement the kitchen’s offerings and lend to the vibrant atmosphere. Building on the cocktail menu, Lola Rose celebrates the regional beers and wines of California with a large selection of pours from Santa Barbara, Napa, the Central Coast and Paso Robles.

Thompson Palm Springs will feature two additional dining concepts, including a HALL Napa Valley Tasting Room opening before the end of this year, which will showcase a selection of high-quality wines from HALL, WALT and BACA’s Northern California vineyards, and a new, ground-floor Mediterranean concept from Melissa & Matt Hermer’s Boujis Group, Bar Issi, opening in early 2025.

CULTURE LIVES HERE

Amid a destination rich in art and culture, Thompson Palm Springs houses its own collection of curated works from Craig and Kathryn Hall’s long-time partner Virginia Shore of Shore Art Advisory, building on the robust arts experience across the city. The diverse, contemporary and eclectic works are sourced from local and international artists with varied backgrounds and perspectives. These works are showcased through a variety of mediums from murals and sculptures to paintings and mixed-media pieces, making Thompson Palm Springs a creative epicenter for all who wander Palm Canyon Drive, beckoning culture shifters and seekers from near and far.

On the facade of the hotel, rainbow-colored bands of shimmering glass tiles immediately capture attention. The mosaic, titled The Land is Speaking … Are You Listening (2022), was conceived of by renowned artist Jeffrey Gibson, expressing his deep appreciation for the earth and the kinship shared with the natural world. Gibson’s work is included in the collections of major art museums across the world, and he made headlines in 2024 for his inclusion in the 60th Venice Biennale, which marked the first solo presentation of an Indigenous artist for the U.S. Pavilion. A member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians and of Cherokee descent, Gibson is known for combining aspects of traditional Native American art with references to Modernism and contemporary pop culture. Shore worked closely with Gibson and fabricator Stephen Miotto to bring this dazzling mosaic to fruition.

Inside the hotel lobby, guests will find a wall-mounted sculpture by Gerald Clarke. The artist created Continuum Basket: Creation (2023) using recycled aluminum cans that he crushed and arranged into graphic motifs based on traditional Cahuilla basket designs. Clarke is a tribal member of the Cahuilla Band of Indians and lives on the Cahuilla Indian reservation with his family on their ancestral land near Anza, California. Through his art, he honors the legacy and process of Cahuilla basket makers: the women who gather grasses and natural materials from the surrounding desert, using their hands to pound and split the reeds in preparation for weaving. In a contemporary twist, Clarke sources his materials from the same land, but instead collects the beer and soda cans he finds littered across the landscape, transforming man-made waste into large-scale sculptures that speak to his cultural heritage.

A GATHERING AND SOCIAL HUB

A destination for the best of celebrations—from meetings to weddings and milestone social events—Thompson Palm Springs offers more than 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting and event space. The hotel’s location provides an ideal venue for gatherings and celebrations of up to 600 people and the expansive spaces meet the unique needs of any event. From the San Jacinto Ballroom (6,200 square feet) to the Lola Rose Terrace (2,500 square feet), Thompson Palm Springs’ dedicated team will personalize each space for the occasion. The hotel also offers partial and full buy-out packages, including the forthcoming Upper Stories tower and additional custom options.

Thompson Palm Springs is located at 414 N Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA 92262, which is three miles from the Palm Springs International Airport and a short drive away from Indio, Joshua Tree, Big Bear and additional neighboring cities. The hotel is also conveniently located near some of the destination’s most coveted attractions including the Palm Springs Art Museum, Desert Hot Springs, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and many others.

Rates begin at $550/night. To learn more, please visit https://www.hyatt.com/thompson-hotels/pspaz-thompson-palm-springs.

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Vino and Vinyl’s – Montagne Russe

New in Culinary

Ethic Cider Farm

At Ethic Cider Farm visitors can sample a selection of 15 to 20 ciders, along with its apple brandy and Pommeau. Approximately 5% of the offerings are nonalcoholic, reflecting a growing trend towards accommodating consumer preferences. Visitors can engage in experiential learning about regenerative farming practices within the orchard through various workshops. Modern Farming Workshops cater to a diverse audience, including agriculturists and backyard gardeners, aiming to provide a comprehensive introduction to farming techniques. Regenerative Farming Workshops offer hands-on experiences, allowing participants to learn while actively engaging in farming activities. | 12:00 to 5:00 pm | Friday – Sunday

Healdsburg Mocktail Trail

Continuing the trend towards embracing low or no alcohol options, the Mocktail Trail in Healdsburg offers diverse mocktail menus from many popular Healdsburg restaurants. Mixologists at Lo & Behold, Spoon Bar, Bravas Bar de Tapas, Chalkboard, Goodnights Prime Steak & Spirits, Little Saint, The Rooftop at Harmon House, and Willi’s Seafood and Raw Bar have crafted drinks that feature a no-spirits menu going well beyond typical alcohol-free cocktails. From Spanish-inspired mocktails to coastal creations, each stop on the trail promises a unique and delightful experience.

Tisza Bistro

Tisza Bistro offers a fusion of Central European flavors with a distinct Californian flair. Chef/Owner Krisztian Karkus has honed his skills in some of the world’s most prestigious resorts, restaurants, and culinary destinations. At Tisza Bistro, Chef Krisztian delights in creating visually stunning presentations blending old-world European charm with contemporary Sonoma County sophistication.

New in the Outdoors

Chanslor Ranch Regional Park and Open Space Preserve

Chanslor Ranch, a historic dairy ranch on coastal route Highway 1 in Bodega Bay, has been acquired by Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District for use as county regional park, and is open to the public. Long a privately owned getaway known primarily for horseback trail rides, the 378-acre ranch across Highway 1 from Bodega Dunes and Salmon Creek state beaches is now in county hands and open to the public. Visitors can hike 4.5 miles of trail leading up coastal hills, down to Salmon Creek and around the rugged landscape, which is bounded in part by the creek. Horseback riding is available through Five Brooks Bodega Bay. The land is known for a diversity of habitats, from wetlands to coastal prairie, as well as many plants and animals. The wetlands are a stopover for migrating birds, as well.

Sonoma Botanical Garden

Sonoma Botanical Garden (SBG), in collaboration with Sonoma Ecology Center and Habitat Corridor Project announced a new partnership aimed at designing and establishing a cutting-edge California native plant demonstration garden. The project, which recently broke ground at SBG, will unfold over several years, offering visitors an immersive experience to understand the importance of native plants in landscaping, biodiversity, and conservation efforts. Through public programs and tours, the garden will serve as an educational hub, inspiring appreciation for California flora and promoting sustainable landscape design principles.

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With Portofino Pours, guests age 21+ can take charge of their beverage journey by visiting the front desk for a limitless luxurious Reidel glassware and wristband, which will be connected to their tab. The taps wall, installed by iPourIt, is nestled in the hotel’s recently renovated Living Room overlooking King Harbor.

This innovative feature offers six different taps of beer, wine, and house-made cocktails, which will rotate by season and availability. The first lineup includes:

• Sparkling Wine from Gambino

• Pinot Noir from Elouan

• Chardonnay from Chalk Hill

• Craft Beer featuring NobleWolf Pilsner

• Session IPA with CannonBall Run IPA

• Portofino’s Signature Cocktail: House-Made Baleen Margarita

Guests can take advantage of Tappy Hour daily from 9 P.M. – 12 A.M. with a 30% discount on all selections.

“Portofino Pours promises to elevate events and gatherings hosted at the hotel,” says Drew Berry, General Manager. “From weddings, to corporate gatherings, and date nights, now guests select their drink of choice on their own terms before and after standard bar hours. This allows all of-age guests to pour at their own pace and sip on their own time. No long lines to wait in. In addition, these days, people are all about variety, and this gives you the opportunity and experience of sampling up to 6 different beverages, before finally deciding which pour you want to explore”.

“Our partnership with Portofino demonstrates the power of innovation in hospitality and automation,” says Chris Braun, CEO, iPourIt. “Their forward-thinking approach has allowed us to implement a solution that elevates the guest experience and benefits their operation by increasing efficiency and decreasing costs. We’re excited to see the positive impact.”

Portofino Pours is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at The Portofino Hotel & Marina, located at 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach, CA 90277. For more information, visit www.hotelportofino.com/ and follow the hotel on Instagram at @portofinohotel.

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The Epicurean Path: A Culinary Voyage of Land and Sea

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